Bill Polian: 'Peyton Manning could move into that role immediately'

Posted by: Chris Vannini on Wednesday February 10, 2016

As we discuss the next step for Peyton Manning, his former general manager says he could immediately become a GM and have success.

Hall of Famer Bill Polian told SiriusXM NFL Radio that, through his experiences with Manning, the quarterback has the knowledge and skills to assimilate into the front office.

“I believe he could very quickly fill the role that John Elway fills with the Broncos,” Polian said. “The reason I say that is, during our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he’d seen, players he’d seen in other parts of the country. He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC.

“He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He’s more than prepared to do that job."

Elway was the CEO of the Colorado Crush from 2003-08. He joined the Broncos in 2011 — more than a decade after his playing career — and built a very strong roster in Denver. Polian says Manning has the skills to do it now.

“All he would need would be a brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language — of which he’s also very familiar, because of his own contract,” Polian said. “He’s well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like that, because he’s ready. I don’t know that he will, but if someone wanted him to do it, he would be ready immediately to do it.”

Chris Vannini is in his fifth year with CoachingSearch.com and serves as its managing editor. He has previously written for the Detroit Free Press, The Oakland Press, The State News, MLive.com, 247Sports and SB Nation. A graduate of Michigan State University, Chris now lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Be sure to follow @coachingsearch and send emails to chris@coachingsearch.com.